Education Today Fall 2014 Highlights

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Features

Two-Year B. Ed. program

By Iram Ashfaq

In September 2015, Ontario's Faculties of Education will be extending the Bachelor of Education degree, making it a two-year program. Iram Ashfaq, a recent graduate of the one-year program, examines how these changes will affect teacher training in the province and what this means for the future of the profession.

CoverGetting Creative: Schools Fine Tune Their Music Programs

By Saul Chernos

School music programs used to revolve around band practice and the school choir. These activities are still wonderful for students and are still available, new options are being taught in Ontario schools, including an introduction to some non-traditional musical genres and a curriculum that allows students to explore their own musicality and develop real-world production skills.

Two-Part Series: Working with the MediaPart 1: Tips for School Principals

By Tamara Baluja

In the first of this two-part series on media tips for education professionals, Tamara Baluja checks in with public school board communications and print media for advice for school principals.

Help Me Tell My Story

By John Schofield

In 2010, Saskatchewan's ministry of education developed a remarkable education initiative designed to help that province's First Nations children succeed in school. As author John Schofield explains, the program works by combining culturally appropriate material, sophisticated technology and a very cute plush green turtle.

Breakfast Club Feeds Minds and Bellies

By M. Carolyn Black

Common sense and research both indicate that students who are well fed do better academically. Yet, in-school programs to provide healthy meals and snacks for students who don't have these at home face a range of operational challenges. M. Carolyn Black looks at some of the programs in Ontario and how these manage to succeed despite the obstacles.

Schools as Community Hubs: Challenges and Opportunities

By Kim Arnott

At a symposium in May 2014, OPSBA joined provincial, municipal and education partners to discuss ways in which service delivery in Ontario can be streamlined to become more efficient and economical. Schools already play a key role in their neighbourhoods, and Kim Arnott looks at some interesting examples of how school-based service delivery can work.